departmental policy

[packpolice]

Does anyone here work for a department that will allow time to work out during a shift? If so, do you take advantage of it? Should you go when things are slow, at the begining, or at the end of a shift?

[Dysentery Bob]

My Sgt. gave me the thumbs up to work out during my lunch break. We work 10 hr shifts and this would be the only time in the day to do so. I have 45 minutes to get in and out;I have to keep my radio handy in case of calls. So far its been great.
If and when we go back to 8 hr shifts, I can work out before my shift. I feel that if you get up eariler and work out before work, it would take away the temtation to just go home after a long day. It will also give you that nice pumped look while on duty.

[SGT Dave]

Man how ironic!

Upon reading your question, I was going to mention Raleigh PD's SEU to you, then noticed you are IN the Raleigh area!

HOW WILD!

The SEU (Selective Enforcement Unit) is basically a full time SWAT Team. I think they work 12 hour shifts, and the first two hours of every shift is gym time, from what I've been told.

This applies UNLESS they are on a call out or emergency. After workout, they uniform up, and either assist with high-risk warrants, or other SWAT duties. If no pressing "SWAT" need is there, they are constantly training.

Raleigh SEU guys are usually consumate professionals.

<a href="http://www.raleigh-nc.org/police/specops.htm" target="_blank">http://www.raleigh-nc.org/police/specops.htm</a>

[packpolice]

Dave,

I don't think I can join that while I'm on with NCSU. The chief is supposed to give us an hooour and 15 for it, but I don't know what happens in the real world. Havn't meet enough of my fellow officers yet. I want to be a DT and PT officer si we'll see what happens. I bodybuild and do several styles of martial arts.

JLE

[Dave T]

Pack,

Just look a little to your west... DPD policy permits Uniform Patrol Officers 1 1/2 hours of workout time (during work) every other shift. Of course this is subject to restriction based upon current call load. If you wish I can forward you a copy of our General Order that outlines the program.

Personally I am in favor of physical fitness mandates. Unfortunately the nature of police work leads to an unhealthy lifestyle. We sleep and eat poorly. While some might say "its not fair" it is really for the benefit of the individual officers.

Dt.

[packpolice]

Hey Dave!

I think your department's personnel have a particularly hard time because your on a rotating shift. Then, we know each other's feelings about that.

[Dave T]

Pack,

I have never been a fan of the Dupont schedule. Raleigh tried it and scrapped it after less than a year - their new 10 hour schedule is rather confusing with a lot of officer overlap (Mrs. Dave is in RPD Uniform Patrol). At least they are going to fixed shifts in a couple of months.

I think that the 12 hr schedule could be great if they would have fixed shifts. 2 day squads and 2 night squads - I have done a straw poll and find that about 50% like each so everyone can be happy. And, its a lot more healthy - the Dupont has been determined (by some strange formula) to be the most difficult schedule on the human body. Changing your shift so many times in a month makes it hard for the body to adapt.

As far as our workout policy - its truely a great benefit. Where else can you work out every other day on the clock (for an hour and a half in addition to your meal)? One of the few perks of the job. We have a great gym in the main station and some of the health clubs in the city will allow the officers to use the equipment without a membership.

If you want to try to get your department to have a similar policy I can forward you ours for them to consider - no sense in reinventing the wheel.

Dave

<small>[ 06-23-2003, 08:06 PM: Message edited by: Dave T ]</small>

[packpolice]

Dave,

I'll let you know. Right now what I've heard is that we are allowed to go use gyms on campus so long as it's not busy. I'm one of those fanatical people who is willing to skip a "meal break" and snack here and there in order to get something in. I was a personal trainer before I went into this and I just renewed my certification. I also am training in several martial arts. I feel all this is crucial to my career dreams/goals, and keeping my identity balanced. I don't want to just be a cop.

I will be meeting plenty of RPD officers. Apparently we're calling each other all the time. I've heard things have not been quite right, but I'll sit back and compare notes. :)Former social researchers are good at that:). I would absolutely love to meet your wife sometime. Send me a email sometime about what part of town she works in.

I know I may have an audience reading this so, for the record I think this board is excellent. I get too shy to ask questions and I feel confortable doing that here.